Williams Men's Crew Coach Named Rowing Coach of the Year
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"Coach Wells seemingly does so much with so little," said co-captain and senior Joey Kiernan. "He's always trying to find areas where we can improve, even if it is only by a small amount. It all adds up in the end, and I think that is one big reason why our program has been so successful."
The Ephs have been a perennial powerhouse since Wells, a 1979 graduate of Williams, took the helm of the men's crew program in 1982. In his nearly 30 years of coaching, Williams has claimed 18 Little Three Championships, six New England Championships, four NESCAC titles, one ECAC Championship, and the Head of the Charles Collegiate race twice.
The Coach of the Year award was presented to Wells by his fellow ECAC coaches in recognition of yet another exceptional season. In 2011, the men's first varsity boat won the New England Championships, and placed second at the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championship. His second varsity boat not only took home gold at both of these championship regattas, but also became the first Williams crew to have an undefeated season.
Although Wells said he "appreciated this award more than other awards because it's something [his] peers selected" him for, he insists that he gets "more satisfaction from what my guys accomplish."
"Sure it's nice to be recognized and be told that I'm doing a good job, but it can be a bit of a distraction — it's not what the season is about," he said.
Wells is preparing his crew to compete at this weekend's Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. The Ephs are attempting to become the first Williams crew to win the storied event.
